Question

Ringed seals give birth in lairs carved out of packed snowdrifts. Which abiotic change may increase pup mortality?(1 point)
Responses

reduced polar bear population
reduced polar bear population

reduced carbon dioxide
reduced carbon dioxide

reduced snowfall
reduced snowfall

reduced temperatures

Answer 1

The abiotic change that may increase pup mortality is **reduced snowfall**. Ringed seals rely on snowdrifts to create lairs for giving birth and protecting their pups from harsh environmental conditions and predators. If snowfall is reduced, the quality and availability of these lairs could be compromised, potentially leading to higher mortality rates among the pups.